Olson is currently working toward her Bachelor of Science degree in Behavioral Science at Granite State College. In addition to maintaining a 3.95 grade point average, Olson is a member of the national honor society, Alpha Sigma Lambda and works fulltime as an executive secretary in the Legal Services/Government Affairs Department of the Local Government Center.

Olson, who hopes to pursue a career as a medical social worker, currently volunteers in the Therapeutic Arts and Activities department of the Concord Hospital. In the past she has worked with New Hampshire’s refugee population while volunteering with the Committee on Rights and Justice and served on a number of local parent/teacher committees.

“I am deeply grateful to those who chose me to receive this scholarship,” Olson said. “I do not wish to leave a large amount of student loan debt behind for my children to inherit and will work very hard to ensure that doesn't happen. This scholarship award aids me in the successful accomplishment of that mission.”

Olson, who will complete her degree at Granite State College in June before pursuing her master’s degree, is one of ten deserving Granite State College students selected this year by the ALA Board to receive an ALA Merit Scholarship,

“The awarding of these scholarships is truly an honor and a privilege that the board thoroughly enjoys,” said John Paine, Chairman of the ALA Board of Directors. “Having the opportunity to actually make a difference in the life of a Granite State College learner is remarkable.”

More than $110,000 in scholarships has been awarded by the ALA to deserving Granite State College students since 1990. Its scholarship program is funded by donations made by graduates of Granite State College.

In addition to their fund raising efforts, the Granite State College ALA also works together with current Granite State College students, faculty and staff to promote the College in the community and throughout the state and to support the institution’s educational mission.

Granite State College is one of four University System of New Hampshire institutions. It has nine academic centers located throughout New Hampshire and is committed to delivering affordable and convenient access to higher education via innovative programming.

In addition to offering associate and bachelor degrees, post-baccalaureate programs for teacher education and transfer opportunities, Granite State College is also a leader in online education degree programs. Learn more about Granite State College by visiting www.granite.edu.